Technology today has provided us with all sorts of tools to tune our guitars. You have apps, clip-ons, pedals, etc.

It’s amazing to think that not that long ago it was only tuning forks and our ears!

In fact, when I started guitar back in the stone ages, all I had was my ears.

And although now, like most everyone else, I almost exclusively use some device to tune my guitars, I also recognize that by learning to tune by ear made me a better player by hearing how the notes on the guitar sound while practicing and learning/playing my favorite songs.

I think that by using technology most of us have lost, or never learned, the art of actually hearing what we play.

So what I highly recommend for all of you, no matter what level you are at, is to have the skill available to tune by ear.

Because you never know what will happen: the power goes out, the batteries die, the device simply stops working, etc. And you know that it will happen at some of the most inopportune times. For me, right before, or during, a gig is where Murphy typically likes to enforce his law. 🙂

This skill isn’t meant to replace the methods you currently use to tune your guitar. It is simply a great skill to develop and make you a more complete player.

And most importantly, to have more fun playing songs!

Tuning by ear really isn’t that hard. There are just a few simple things to listen for.

I made this video to better explain it. If you want to skip the silliness of the intro, go to :40 into the video.

And as always, I’m here to help too! Reach out to me for any questions.

I hope this helps make you more successful in your playing!

Rock On,

Tony G.

PS: I just filmed me playing Rush’s Closer to the Heart on vacation here at the pool I am at in Texas. It has a little water ambience to it. Enjoy!

Closer to the Heart

I just made my TOP 10 Favorite Alex Lifeson Riffs Video taken from his huge catalog of Rush songs. It was a lot of fun to make! Let me know what you think:

Best Rush Songs on Guitar

PPS: Here is a another CRAZY guitar solo I played using an exotic scale called the Byzantine (or, Double Harmonic Major) scale. I think it sounds pretty cool:

Byzantine Scale in E

PPPS: Oh and hey, can you do me a favor? I’m starting a mission to grow my You Tube Subscribers to more than 22 (Ha!). No, seriously, if you can quickly hop over there and “Subscribe”, it would be so very awesome!

I promise that the videos (most of them at least) will be entertaining and/or informative!

Here is the path to arrive there:

6 String Corner

Px4…S:

Want to know the 4 Techniques to help you play your favorite songs? Get the eGuide here: Chronic Chord Condition